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Structured Problem Solving via SOLVE

Tags

^21st Century Skills Social-Emotional Learning MS/HS/College Strategy

Skills

Flexible Thinking Self-regulation Social Awareness

Structured Problem Solving via SOLVE

If your student struggles to make decisions and choices

How To Apply It!

  1. Having a concrete, structured approach to problem solving, particularly for making difficult life decisions or tough social situations, can help you work through challenges without feeling overwhelmed.
  2. Use the mnemonic acronym SOLVE when you are confronted with a problem. Working through each step to attack the problem systematically.
  3. S: Step back and try your best to objectively define the problem (not the emotions you might be feeling).
  4. O: Options. Identify all of your available options to address the problem.
  5. L: Limit barriers to your options. Do your best to see how you can limit/reduce any emotions or environmental factors that could interfere with your using some of your options.
  6. V: Values-driven. Understand what is most important to you and consider which options are most aligned to your values.
  7. E: Effective. Select the option that will be most effective in enabling you to solve the problem and aligns with your values.

Why It Works (the Science Of Learning)!

Students struggle with effective problem solving for a variety of reasons. Providing them with a structured approach can help them identify their potential options and enable them to make a good choice for the given situation. An acronym like SOLVE can be useful because it can be relatively easy to remember and apply in stressful or emotional situations. Source: Dialectic Behavior Therapy National Certification and Accreditation Association